Principal Data Scientist – Lead Analytics & Team

About the role

The Principal Data Scientist will shape Shoprite’s data strategy, turning data into a commercial advantage while building and mentoring a high‑performing data science team. This senior position requires a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Define and drive Shoprite’s data strategy to deliver best‑in‑class analytics across the organisation.
• Lead engagements with business stakeholders to translate requirements into meaningful data models and scenarios.
• Collaborate with data and software teams to design, deploy and scale robust, fit‑for‑purpose solutions.
• Prioritise data projects, balance business and technical trade‑offs, and delegate execution responsibilities.
• Develop analytics‑focused products using machine learning, natural language processing and advanced statistical techniques.
• Manage the data science team, set modelling standards, and monitor model accuracy, integrity and robustness.
• Define data‑quality expectations and continuously track performance of data systems and models.
• Report analytical findings to senior stakeholders using compelling data visualisations.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, prototype proofs of concept, and act as a domain expert across the organisation.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering or a related field (essential).
• At least 8 years of experience in a lead data‑scientist role, consistently delivering complex data solutions.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach and grow data‑science talent.

Required skills

• Machine learning
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Statistical and mathematical modelling techniques
• Decision trees and association rules
• Predictive and descriptive modelling
• Data visualization
• Big‑data environment expertise